Access:Access to the area is from Colorado Highway 9 south of Kremmling, Highway 131 at State Bridge, and Interstate 70 at Dotsero. Gravel and paved county roads parallel the river and are open year-round.

Availability of Camp/Picnic Sites: Individual campsites and picnicking is on a first-come first-served basis. Group campsites may be reserved by calling (970) 724-3000 or stopping by the Kremmling Field Office. America the Beautiful Passes (Annual Pass, Military Pass) pay full-price for camping. America the Beautiful Passes (Senior Pass and Volunteer Pass) pay half-price camping.

Drinking Water: Drinking water is available at the Pumphouse recreation site from early June to mid-September and at some private commercial sites. Carry ample supplies of drinking water. Water system at Pumphouse is CLOSED in the winter.

Safety Precautions: Roads in the area may be slippery and muddy during the winter and rainstorms. Floaters are advised to obtain basic first aid and CPR training. Familiarity with river hydraulics, location of hazards, whitewater boating and rescue techniques and treatment of hypothermia is also suggested. The river maps note some navigation hazards, but new hazards may be created by changing river conditions.

Basic Required Equipment: Type III or V personal flotation devices (lifejackets) in good condition should be properly fitted and worn by all persons boating on the water. An additional spare jacket for each 10 people on multiple boat groups should be carried. You should also carry a spare oar/paddle, basic first aid kit, a repair kit and air pump, a bow line, a throw/rescue line and a bailing bucket. Other basics include food, sunscreen lotion, sunglasses, insect repellent and bite treatment, hat, extra shoes and dry clothes and waterproof bags or containers.

Flood Hazards: Sudden changes in water levels may occur after rainstorms, posing a risk of flooding in low-lying ground. Flash floods and debris flows may occur at the mouths of side drainages. Avoid camping in low-lying areas and below gulches, especially at the Bench Site, Sheephorn Creek, Piney Creek and Cabin Gulch.

Insects: Ticks are abundant during spring and early summer, and may carry Rocky Mountain spotted tick fever and Lyme disease. Check routinely for ticks. Mosquitoes and biting flies may be encountered throughout the summer.

Hypothermia: Hypothermia is a risk even in the summer because of the altitude. Symptoms to beware of are bluish skin, uncontrolled shivering, weakness, decreasing coherence, and lack of coordination. In advanced stages, reduced mental ability may lead to poor judgment and can result in death. Stay as dry as possible and wear clothing that retains insulating qualities when wet (wool, polypropylene or neoprene). Rain gear, jackets, sweaters or blankets are recommended. Treat hypothermia at first symptoms by removing wet clothes, warming with dry clothes, warm liquids, heat from a fire or body heat from another person.

Bridge Crossings: Some railroad and road bridges have steel piers in mid-channel with sharp edges that can rip a raft and cause serious injury. In a broadside collision, persons should move to the side nearest the pier to prevent the raft from flipping over, and possibly pinning someone against the obstacle. Portaging around bridges may be necessary during extremely high flows.